Here’s a wrap-up of all the key news across solar and other renewables last week. Grab your coffee, here’s the industry must-knows for the week (29/05/2023 edition):
Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen says…
“There’s a lot of investment into our grid, a lot of good work occurring in renewable transmission, but some of it is encountering delays in being connected to the grid, receiving approvals to connect to the grid. So, we’ve agreed to increase resources jointly between the Commonwealth and the states for AEMO now to get that work done more quickly, particularly over coming months.” Read more about the additional resourcing agreement here. (PV Magazine)
Australia and the United States have signed a landmark agreement
with the two nations vowing to work collaboratively towards accelerating and expanding clean energy supply chains, renewable energy technologies manufacturing, and critical minerals supply.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.S. President Joe Biden have signed a formal agreement that will see the two nations collaborate to develop solar, wind and storage technology, coordinate critical minerals supply, develop new battery technologies, and support emerging hydrogen markets. (PV Magazine)
Australia and India will establish a Green Hydrogen Taskforce.
The industry-driven taskforce was signed on to by prime ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese on Wednesday. The meeting strengthens ties between India and Australia in relation to renewable energy ambitions and manufacturing, with plans extending to critical mineral and solar manufacturing. (Renew Economy)
Genex Power Limited is making progress with the construction of the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro).
The project is on track for energisation in 2024, with activity buzzing at the 250MW/2,000MWh site. Read more about the project here. (Utility Magazine)
Queensland Government and Qantas team up to unlock state’s full potential to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The Palaszczuk Government has joined forces with airline giant to get Queensland’s vision to be an Asia-Pacific green jet fuel hub on the runway.
SAF is yet to be produced in Australia at a commercial scale, but under a memorandum of understanding signed on Tuesday, the Queensland Government and Qantas will work together to further grow a local SAF industry. (www.statements.qld.gov.au)
South Australia’s (SA) Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer has announced the opening for applications for Nyrstar Australia’s 2024 Apprenticeship Program at the multi-metal processing facility in Port Pirie.
The program ultimately aims to boost the skillset of tradespeople working in the metals and minerals sectors. View positions on offer here. (Australian Resources)
The largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere is a step closer to being connected to Queensland’s electricity grid.
Powerlink have successfully installed their 100th transmission tower. Set to generate 1,026MW of wind power, the MacIntyre Wind Precinct is comprised of ACCIONA Energia’s 923MW MacIntyre Wind Farm and neighbouring 102MW Karara Wind Farm. Read what ACCIONA Energia Managing Director, Brett Wickham has to say about the project here. (Energy Magazine)
Tesla just kicked off Phase 4 of South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP), bringing sustainable energy to even more low-income households.
With battery-powered Tesla Powerwall installations, 3,000 homes with unsuitable rooftops for solar PV now have the chance to join the transition to sustainable energy and lower their cost of living. Check out the timeline of the history of Tesla’s VPP in Australia here. (Tech Au)
Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) is calling for a strong and transparent vehicle efficiency standard
and is urging the government to set strong targets to ensure that Australia catches up with the other major world markets before 2030.
The government has called for submissions into how strong, and how quickly the standards should be introduced. The consultation is open until May 31. The EVC is encouraging people to sign and endorse its recommendations for the new vehicle efficiency standard. (The Driven)
Queensland gold mine lives on as pumped hydro plant | ARENA
Sustainable Aviation Fuel | QANTAS
From coal valley outsider to solar trailblazer | Solar Insiders Podcast
Andy McCarthy reflects on his journey from a garage-based start-up to the CEO of RACV solar. Plus Queensland does it again.
Across Australia by BYD | The Driven Podcast
The story of Atto Gal‘s epic journey from Perth to Sydney and back in an electric BYD, and what she learned along the way. Plus: China’s big EV play.
Our photo of the week (from the Meralli archives) is from our award-winning Chillamurra Solar Farm in Boggabilla, NSW. This solar farm was completed in 2017 and led to the formation of Meralli Solar.
